How do you get over the fear?

caliotter3 · Feb 11, 2015

Make certain that your car is in good repair and always have a full tank of gas on board. HIPAA notwithstanding, your safety is at stake, let someone in your family know where you are going and when you should be back. Call someone when you arrive at your destination so they know you got there ok. Call when you are leaving. Have extra phone charger/another phone with you. Carry emergency personal supplies in the car, such as food, water, blanket. Some people place a baseball bat or similar apparatus in full sight in their rear window area. Pepper spray, or something sharp, on your keyring. Arrange your visits so that you are out and about during daylight hours. Tell your clients that they must keep big, frightening dogs (and little perky chihuahuas) and weapons in another room, as well as anything else that you should not see. If you feel at risk in the home, excuse yourself, and go. When you step outside and enter your car, call your agency immediately and tell them why you cut the visit short. Exercise safety precautions, remain alert to your surroundings at all times.

Mommytracknurse · Feb 11, 2015

Thanks calliotter3- those are super helpful suggestions!! :). There are so many things that didn't worry me before- when I was with my preceptor but now I'm on my own!! And I kinda have some anxiety about being out there all alone!!

Libby1987 · Feb 11, 2015

I never had the fear because I was 23 yrs old when I started home health and I was indestructible. This is strictly anecdotal, but I've never been seriously threatened and non of my coworkers have had any serious issues. There has been occasional drama over the years but nothing that resulted in harm.

One measure we have always taken is that my office knows where I am. When I've gone into remote no cell service areas, I let them know when I go in and when I come out. I'd like to believe that with my whereabouts known and all kinds of details known about my patients that it reduces me as a target.

Libby1987 · Feb 11, 2015

And this is really a stretch but the whole "honor amongst thieves" has held true, everyone has been nice to this home health nurse.

None of this means don't take precautions of course.

calivianya, BSN, RN · Feb 11, 2015

This is slightly off-topic, but I just wanted to THANK YOU to all home health nurses for what you do.

I had a home health rotation in school and I thought it was pants-poopingly terrifying. All the random guys obviously packing heat in the section 8 housing, the country folk with the rifles hanging out on their legs on the porch, the sketchy neighborhoods... you all are seriously angels because I would be scared out of my mind all the time. There is definitely a special place in the Great Beyond for home health nurses.

Libby1987 · Feb 11, 2015

I live in rifle over the door territory, I rarely notice it anymore. Have even seen several pistols on the side table. Unless the patient was confused, it wasn't something that *I* felt threatened of.

I did get spooked by a patient that lived very remotely that went from weak and frail to recovered well enough that he wanted to show me a collection in a back room. He was still small and relatively frail but his mental demeanor made a big switch and there was mental illness in his Hx. I braced and peeked in the door but positioned myself the best I could so as not to be pushed in the room if it came to that. Kept the conversation nurse-y and worked my way out the door. I then called the dr and told him I was a bit spooked and asked if he needed any additional visits as I would need to bring someone with me. He didn't and I didn't go back. Probably not a real risk but I listen to my spidey sense.

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Feb 13, 2015

I work primarily in the inner city and routinely drive around neighborhoods where there are shootings at 2PM on a Tuesday. Many of my patients live in shelters or the projects. On an average day, I'm not concerned about my safety. Lately I'm more worried about getting run over by a snow plow than I am about anything else.

The day I had to return to a patient's home the day after the state took legal custody of her in response to a report of neglect I'd filed but left her physically in her home was the only time I was concerned about my personal safety in a home. (Someone was diverting this kid's benzodiazepines and I was obviously the one who cut off their supply.)

Mommytracknurse · Feb 13, 2015

So far all of the patients and their families have been receptive to having me there- just kinda nerve wracking to be out there on my own!! Thanks for everybody's suggestions and support!!

Mommytracknurse · Feb 13, 2015

Whoa- I can only imagine the tension you must've felt going back into that home!! Wow- you are brave!! That could've been a dangerous situation for you:( glad things turned out ok!!

BabaLouRN · Mar 8, 2015

ALWAYS trust your "Spidey Sense" I think I would have asked the State APS that you reported to go with you to this follow up visit. There are TONS of nutty people out there, more than most people realize. I know that when you step on their drug supply, you are stepping on a ticking bomb"

An agency that I worked before had an agreed "code call" to call in to the office to call 911 to the location.

KellyRN2013 · Mar 8, 2015

I completely understand your concerns. I live in the mountains of VA and barely have cell reception anywhere on the mountains. Sometimes I went so far up in the woods that I didn't even think there would be a house back there. Sometimes you end up in places that feel creepy. I know you are scared about getting into a scary situation but just think of it like this. You are going into the home to help these people because of an illness, etc. They are thankful that you are there to help them and most likely wouldn't think of hurting you. I had to accept this concept working as a home health nurse as well. You should have a case load weekly and see these same people unless you have a new admission or something like that. They will get to know you and many of them even become like your family! I carried mace on my key ring when I worked in home health. I also kept bottled water, blankets, and a first aid kit in my car at all times and also some nonperishable food items like crackers, fruit snacks, etc. You should be fine! If you ever get to a point where you don't feel safe it is okay to leave the home. If you pull up to a home and something doesn't feel right then it is okay not to enter. It is up to your discretion. My home health boss was always so understanding and if ever I did not feel comfortable I was not forced to go into the home. There were some homes were they had convicted felons and stuff like that and I would always have to call my office or text and let my manager know when I was headed to the home and she would call me back in an hour or I would call her if I finished the visit before then to let her know I made it out safely and I was headed back down the mountain. Now I will tell you the felon I had would not have harmed a flea probably and he was much older now and did something in his younger days and talked openly about it so It wasn't a scary scary situation. You will be fine! Just always have a backup plan and make sure you carry on your what makes you feel safe.